Service overview
You need this permit to build a new retaining wall or replace one that already exists. Retaining walls prevent soil from sliding down a hill or other sudden change in elevation.
This permit is required for retaining walls that:
- Are at least 2 feet high.
- Contain flammable or combustible liquids.
- Support a surcharge load.
You don’t need to submit plans with your application if the wall follows the EZ Permit Standard for retaining walls.
New retaining walls must not encroach on bordering property. If a wall needs to encroach, easements or similar legal agreements may be necessary.
If an existing retaining wall straddles a property line, two or more adjoining property owners may be jointly responsible for repair and maintenance of the wall. The only way to determine the exact location of any existing retaining wall is through a field survey performed by a licensed surveyor.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this permit.
Who
Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:
- Contractor.
- PA design professional.
- Attorney.
- Licensed expediter.
Requirements
Permit application
Must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.
- If the property was recently sold, submit a copy of the settlement sheet or deed with the application.
- You must apply for all permits under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).
Plans
If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.
- Plans must be drawn to scale on a sheet that is at least 18 in. by 24 in.
- Include three copies of plans.
- Plans must include the following detail:
- Project address.
- Wall construction details, including any reinforcement, tie backs, or geotextiles.
- Foundation details.
- Drainage.
- Elevations or sections.
- Other structural and miscellaneous details.
- A design professional must sign and seal the plans if the project includes:
- Any structural work that costs more than $25,000.
- Registered architect.
- Professional engineer.
Contractor
A licensed Philadelphia contractor must perform the work, except when the project involves an existing one-or-two-family home. Then work may also be performed by:
- An owner who resides in the building.
- A registered PA Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) who holds a Philadelphia Commercial Activity License.
The contractor must be named before final payment for the permit can be accepted. The contractor must:
- Have an active license.
- Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
- Have current insurance on file with L&I.
Forms and other documents
Refer to the building permit plan requirements to see if you need to submit additional documents.
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
You can apply online using eCLIPSE. If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment. You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person. Permit and License Center Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.Online
In person
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Cost
Fee types that may apply
Filing fee
- For sites containing one-or-two-family dwellings: $25
- For all other sites: $100
This fee is nonrefundable and is applied towards the final permit fee.
Permit fee
Permit fees are based on the height of the retaining wall.
- For walls between 2 ft. and 4 ft. tall: $145
- For walls 4 ft. and taller: $232
- Flat fee for one-or-two-family dwellings: $63
Surcharge fees
- City surcharge: $3 per permit
- State surcharge: $4.50 per permit
Record retention fee
- Per page larger than 8.5 in. x 14 in.: $4
Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)
Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
- Fee: $2000
- $350 is due when you apply. You must pay the remainder once approved.
To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review Request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
How
You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.
In person
Applications for one-or-two-family uses are reviewed within 15 business days. Applications for all other uses are reviewed within 20 business days.
The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Before a permit may be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information and required inspections will be noted on your permit.
A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.
Online
If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.
- Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
- Applications for one-or-two-family uses are reviewed within 15 business days. Applications for all other uses are reviewed within 20 business days.
- Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
- The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
When the contractor is ready to start work, request an inspection through eCLIPSE or by calling (215) 255-4040.
Approval documents will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.